Scranton Autistic Children Abuse Case Settled
A federal judge in Scranton, Pennsylvania, has approved a $5 million settlement for families of seven autistic children, who were allegedly abused by their teacher. According to a UPI news report, the settlement marks the conclusion of a federal lawsuit against the teacher and northeastern Pennsylvania school district.
The lawsuit, filed in 2006, alleged that the school district had covered up reports from class aides that the teacher physically abused the students. According to reports, she pinched, hit and tied them up with duct tape and bungee cords. Court papers alleged that the teacher violated the autistic students’ civil and constitutional rights, as well as the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Each family will get between $400,000 and $1.2 million, under this settlement.
Parents put their trust in education professionals to keep their children safe; however, some teachers and teacher aids do not deserve this trust. There is no excuse for child abuse and mistreatment within school districts or through any other institution. The violation of civil or constitutional rights is a serious legal issue. Many among us do not realize that we are afforded certain rights under the U.S. Constitution. These types of lawsuits and settlements demonstrate how the civil justice system continues to be an effective method for Americans to protect their legal rights.
Monheit is the managing lawyer at Monheit Law, outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has practiced law since 1989. Michael Monheit was the managing attorney of the law offices of Herbert Monheit — now Silverman and Fodera — a firm founded by... Michael Monheit→
